Letters to the Editor: Bradley International Airport plans would be boon for academics, pro and con on George Zimmerman verdict, and more

Bradley plans boon for academics
Many thanks for your coverage via Jim Kinney about Bradley International Airport looking to possibly renewing direct service to Europe.

It is great to be bringing the industry on board to resurrect this critical transport link. Let’s not also forget that we are part of the Knowledge Corridor and many frequent air road warriors include the numerous academics and students in the great colleges and universities in our area.

It was such a pleasure and convenience to be able to fly from Bradley to Amsterdam a few years ago prior to the Northwest-Delta merger. I would recognize and greet colleagues on board each and every flight!

And, just last month, after returning from another professional stay in Gothenburg, Sweden via Amsterdam and onwards to Boston Logan via Delta, I greeted no fewer than three academic colleagues on board the flight to Logan, including an administrator from UMass Amherst, a faculty member from Amherst College, and a colleague from UConn.

However, we all still had a good two hours of travel via car ahead of us. Time again to be more directly connected and not less.

For those of us old enough to recall the verdict in the double-murder O.J. Simpson case, as a black man I find it interesting that the reaction to that particular innocent verdict was totally opposite to what we have witnessed regarding the decision in the Trayvon Martin case - even though we were well aware of Simpson’s guilt.

Whenever someone expressed their disgust with that verdict, most times it was greeted with a knowing smile and a declaration that the jury had spoken. That is exactly the case regarding the George Zimmerman situation. You cannot have it both ways. If you support our judicial system, with all its faults in one case, you cannot disparage it when it fails to suit your particular belief in what is justice.

– ROBERT L. WILLOUGHBY, Springfield

Zimmerman jury deserves our respect

It’s well- known that most persons are not overjoyed when a jury summons arrives in their mailbox. In the completed George Zimmerman trial, six women were picked by both prosecution and defense counsel and parties for over five weeks. They were asked to listen to the evidence, apply the Florida law as it was described to them utilizing written and verbal jury instructions, thoughtfully deliberate and determine unanimous verdict.

Fully realizing that the matter involved the death of youth and in applying the law involving “Stand Your Ground”– specific in Florida – these women collectively returned a non-guilty finding. I can only guess as to the emotional toll incurred by these jurors as they not only deliberated towards a final conclusion but now will carry with them as they watch the world respond.

It appears that the general population believes this jury verdict was in error. People are protesting in the streets, television commentators can’t stop providing their opinions and sports athletes want to weigh in.

Are you kidding me? How audacious that people believe they are now jury experts, want to suggest they know all the facts of this case, know of all of the evidence presented and, most importantly, seemingly suggest that they understand the applicable Florida law. How disrespectful to this jury!

While everyone justifiably is entitled to their own personal opinion regarding Zimmerman’s guilt or innocence, how about showing a little courtesy and respect to the six women who just devoted their time and talent in an effort to render a fair verdict in their opinion!

– CLAIRE CLINI, Wilbraham

Walmart in Holyoke good for residents
I support a Walmart coming to Holyoke because of the great sale and the good selection of Christian Books.

When I go to the Chicopee store it is a hassle because I have to take to buses to get back home; we need a Walmart close to home.